Fresco

by David B. Swanger

An aimless, wandering truffle-shoat
Stumbled through a doorway into the Sistine Chapel
And while standing 'mid scaffold poles and falling droplets
Was startled by the sound of voices from above.

The shoat looked up...

"O Master, why must I endure this agony, this pain?
Can there be no other course for me?"

"My son, each man has a life-yoke. Your ordeal will be
Over when you have finished this aweful assignment."

At this moment there was a loud noise as the Holy Papa
Entered the place, driving the shoat along ahead of him.

"Michelangelo! Michelangelo! You continue... ?"

"Yes Holy Father, as ordered."

"Did I hear you talking to someone?"

"The shoat, Holy One."

And the truffle-shoat wandered aimlessly along
Quite unimpressed with wet plaster-work.